Zondervan Publishes a Quran!

Unless this is your first edition of Muslim Connect (In which case, please don’t unsubscribe yet!), you’ll guess that I probably think this is a good idea. Also, that I’m probably teasing a little bit.

You’re right on both counts:

1. Teasing: It’s not just a Quran, but also includes Christian commentary.
2. Good idea: I’m thankful that Gordon Nickel, who I really wish was my friend, authored, “The Quran with Christian Commentary: A Guide to Understanding the Scripture of Islam” and that Zondervan published it. We need really smart people, who’ve lived long years with Muslims, to help the rest of us see past our fears and ignorance.

The book was just released two weeks ago, so I haven’t read it. The blurb at Amazon describes it as, “Factual, respectful of Muslims, and insightful on issues about which Muslims and Christians disagree, The Quran with Christian Commentary equips Christians to interact more fruitfully with Muslim believers.” That one sentence makes me want this book really badly!

It also includes an amazing set of expert-written articles including, Son of God in the Quran, Women in the Quran, and Jihad in the Quran.

In a similar vein to The Quran with Christian Commentary, a Muslim friend from Facebook, Safi Kaskas published a translation of the Quran with references to the Bible. Safi is a wise diplomat for followers of Islam and Jesus. His Quran has so many footnotes and references to the Bible, there may be more Bible than Quran in it!

I’m glad God is at work to help Muslims and Christians understand each other. May these books and similar efforts equip us to join in His work. And may Jesus be lifted up all over the place!